Red River Predicted To Crest After Mid-April

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – A new prediction from the U.S. Geological Survey says the Red River in the Fargo-Moorhead area isn’t expected to crest until after April 15.

There’s still plenty of snow left to melt in the area, where its 2-to 3-feet deep in some places. And the river itself and a couple of creeks are starting to crack, but they are still mostly frozen.

While they wait for the thaw, workers are preparing sandbags, getting equipment ready and keeping the National Guard on standby. Area resident Gary Abel says people in his community are staying optimistic.

“It was real dry in the fall here, so if we get a slow melt I think a lot of it’s gonna end up in the ground where it needs to be,” Abel said.

There’s a 90 percent chance the Red River will hit 15 feet, which is two and a half feet lower than the record 2009 level.